The NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said the discussion provided a valuable opportunity for members to raise regional concerns and share their experiences directly with the commissioner.
She explained that ensuring tenant farmers have access to support and a route to raise concerns remains a key priority for the NFU.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner said early engagement had focused on explaining the role, helping people understand how to get in touch and signposting support where difficult situations arise.
Mr Laidlaw said: “The role is effectively to act as a champion for tenant farming – for landlords, agents, solicitors, tenants and everyone in the sector.
A big part of what the Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector will do is champion best practice.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “The Farm Tenancy Forum is a valuable space for tenants and landlords to contribute and help ensure the tenanted sector can deliver.”
“The Farm Tenancy Forum is a fantastic space for tenants and landlords to contribute to make sure that the tenant sector can really deliver.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
Positive, collaborative relationships
The Commissioner explained that the office promotes positive, collaborative relationships among tenants, landlords, and advisers, providing a trusted, impartial point of contact to raise concerns about poor behaviour.
The office will also investigate when the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England is not being followed and provide feedback to the Farm Tenancy Forum.
Need to raise a concern? Members can make enquiries, share experiences or raise concerns by emailing [email protected] or call NFU CallFirst for advice.
The discussion followed similar engagement at Cereals, with further opportunities expected at upcoming events, including the Great Yorkshire Show.
The importance of informal discussion
The Commissioner said attending the events had helped farmers “kick the tyres” of the new office and understand what it could mean for their business, region or sector.
He added that informal conversations at events such as Groundswell were often just as important as formal discussions, giving farmers the chance to raise issues around landlords, agents or tenancy agreements in a less daunting setting.
The NFU will continue to work closely with the Commissioner to ensure the interests and experiences of tenant farmers help shape future policy and support for the sector.
